Happy Days

I think it is really important to have just a few things in your home that make you smile for no other reason that they just appeal to your sense of humour. A bit of light hearted fun in a home goes a long way and helps to bring your own personality to your space. In honour of the International Day of Happiness, here are a few of the things that make me smile.

Cabaret wallpaper from Cole and Son – a joyful carnival of colour and intrigue

The classic Duck Feet Lamp from Porta Romana which invariably gets a laugh when I first show it to a client.

Could there be a better way to serve ice cream than in a golden sundae dish? Rockett St George

The first time I saw this fabric, it just lifted my spirits and we now have a metre of it on a canvas on the office wall, to keep us all in a good mood! Bora Bora fabric by Manuel Canovas from Colefax and Fowler

These exquisite brush pots from Bridie Hall are in such jolly colours with their big gold letters that they can be used individually. But how much more fun to spell out a word that makes you laugh.

These simple and delightful drawings from HAM have always made me laugh and I am very excited that there are some new ones coming out any day now. Keep an eye on their website.

The combination of the hilarious design of the Anna G corkscrew from Alessi and the opening of a bottle of wine always lifts my heart

Is it possible to get more of an explosion of colour, pattern, flora and forna into a cushion?

Calypso Turquoise cushion by Christian Lacroix from www.designersguild.com. 

The problem with writing this blog is that I keep finding things I just have to have. My order of this Mohawk matchstick holder is on its way. www.jonathanadler.com

And finally my absolutely favourite find of the day is this fabulous illuminated sign from Argent and Sable. You can create your own wording but So Saucy is difficult to better. www.argentandsablesigns.co.uk

 

Wishing you all a happy day on March 20th and all other days.

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‘Painting with scissors’

I have to admit that until recently I had a rather narrow minded view of decoupage and collage, putting it down as a bit unsophisticated. However, the recent work of a variety of artists has definitely proved me wrong about this, and exemplified how collage is a technique that can produce very beautiful design. I have brought together some examples of the work that have given me this renewed high regard for collage, a craft that Matisse once so elegantly called ‘Painting with Scissors’.

Petra Borner

Much of Petra Borner’s work is originally made by cutting and layering paper. Her versatile technique allows her to create beautiful and bold compositions. Her designs are then used for prints, fabrics and book illustrations. She has many examples of these cut out paper designs online, some of which are available to purchase.

Borner designed the cover for Jayne Austin’s Emma, published by Bonnier.

Petra Borner, Autumn Red Print. £225.00.

Petra Borner, Play 1 Print. £120.00.

Petra Borner, Winter Green Print. £225.00.

John Derian

John Derian has a charming collection of decoupage work. For his designs, Derian takes from his own vast collection of antique and vintage prints, and artisans then cut and collage onto hand blown glass using these designs. As a result many of the items have a wonderfully historic and bespoke feel.

John Derian, Ladyhill Round Plate, Special Edition at the Conran shop. £45.

John Derian, Green Apple Glass Dome Paperweight at Liberty. £59.95.

John Derian, British Seaweeds Red at Pentreath & Hall. £45.

John Derian, Elephant Tiny Glass Tray at Liberty. £45.00.

John Derian, Butterflies Rectangular Glass Tray at Liberty. £79.95.

John Derian, Baines Florist Mini Tray – Special Edition at the Conran Shop. £55.

Let’s hope that artists keep painting with scissors!

This blog first appeared in the Cambridge Evening News website.

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